DOHA • Arab women here are upset with the presence of male salespersons in shops selling items like clothing and lingerie.

The women say that they have asked concerned authorities to rectify the situation but to no avail. Just before Eid, the problem raised its head once again as women shoppers out to buy clothes for the festival, constantly came face-to-face with male salespersons.

And once again, they are appealing to the authorities to ensure that female sales clerks are present at stores dealing exclusively in ladies' items.

A certain section is particularly upset as in many cases, Arab men are behind the counters at these shops.

Umaima Khalifa stated: "It is known that women like to shop a lot. But we are disturbed to see male shop assistants in women's stores. This is especially more embarrassing if the man happens to be an Arab."

She gave an example of a problem she faced when out shopping. "Just before Eid, I went out to buy some T-shirts for myself. Once I entered the shop, I saw a man at the counter so I immediately left the premises. It is high time the concerned authorities made sure women work in such establishments."

Muna Al Uraifi said she prefers to shop for clothes and intimate apparel at the malls and shopping complexes simply because female staff are on hand. "I find it easier to buy in these places instead of going to the traditional shops which depend on male sales clerks, whether Arab or Asian."

She added: "This is a situation that should be dealt with as soon as possible."

Lubna Mustafa finds it shocking that a man would be working in a store meant exclusively for women. "It is a nuisance and has prevented me from going shopping many times. Commercial complexes, too, should have a separate area for women's shops which only women should be allowed to enter."

Salha Sulaiman Ahmed says there is a need for a drive to have more female sales assistants.

"There are some places which have both males and females. I feel there should be stores strictly for females with trained assistants running the show. Having males around can be especially embarrassing when buying undergarments."

Khawla Al Umairi narrated that she always ended up in a fight with her husband after visiting shops where male sales clerks are present.

"Every year I fall into a problem with my husband. The latest fight was this Eid. I had gone to a shop to buy a sports outfit and when I entered the store, the sales clerk was an Arab male."

She continued: "I took what I needed and when I asked the man for a discount as the price was very high, he started laughing and started whispering to me."

Khawla said her husband immediately brought her away from the shop. "I wonder why there are no female salespeople for stores that cater exclusively to women,' she said.

Huaiam Sultan Ali also faces problems when it comes to shopping.

"When I go out to buy undergarments I feel embarrassed. I buy what I need as fast as possible and pay quickly. I don't think it makes a difference on whether the sales clerk is Arab or Asian but I personally find it more embarrassing when dealing with Arab salesmen," she said.